Tactics · Positions and formations
Football positions and formations: goalkeeper, defence, midfield and attack
A practical guide to player roles and team shapes: what the Laws actually require, how common positions are described, and how formations such as 4-3-3 and 4-2-3-1 are read.
Only the goalkeeper is a formal playing role in the Laws
A team can have up to eleven players on the field and one of them must be the goalkeeper. The Laws define the goalkeeper as a distinct role, but labels such as centre-back, full-back, midfielder, winger and striker are tactical conventions. Coaches can change those roles and the team shape without changing the Laws of the Game.
Defenders protect space and help start attacks
Centre-backs usually defend central areas, compete for crosses and support build-up from deeper positions. Full-backs defend the flanks and may move forward to support attacks. A wing-back is a tactical role that often starts wider and higher, but the exact responsibilities depend on the team plan and the phase of play.
Midfielders connect phases; forwards threaten the goal
Midfield roles can include a holding midfielder, central midfielder or attacking midfielder. They help the team keep possession, progress the ball, press and protect spaces. Forwards may play as wingers, second strikers or a central forward, with responsibilities ranging from stretching the defence to receiving between the lines or attacking the penalty area.
How to read 4-3-3, 4-2-3-1 and other formations
Formation numbers describe the outfield lines from defence to attack and normally do not count the goalkeeper. A 4-3-3 has four defenders, three midfielders and three forwards; a 4-2-3-1 has four defenders, two deeper midfielders, three advanced attacking midfielders and one forward. These shapes are reference points: teams often look different when they have the ball, defend, press or transition.